VAna 1 Macroscopic Anatomy

Chapter 8 Lymphatic System

 Part of the circulatory system of the body and responsible for returning the excess tissue
fluid that has leaked out of the capillaries to the circulating blood. (Aspinall and O’Reilly,
2004)
 Lymph- is the fluid mentioned and is similar to plasma but does not contain plasma
proteins
- Has more lymphocyte present than in blood
 Lymphatic vessels and lymphoid tissues are found in all regions of the body except in
the central nervous system and bone marrow
FUNCTION
1. Return excess tissue fluid that has leaked out of the capillaries to the circulating blood
2. Remove bacteria and other foreign particles from the lymph in specialized filtering
stations, the lymph nodes
3. Produce lymphocytes which produce antibodies, making this system a part of the
immune system
4. Transport the products of fat digestion and the fat-soluble vitamins from the lacteals of
the intestinal villi to the circulation
COMPONENTS of the LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
I. Lymphatic Capillaries
- Collect excess tissue fluid
- Smallest of the lymph vessels
- LACTEALS- found in the villi; collect products of fat digestion
II. Lymphatic Vessels
- Similar structures with veins
- Possess numerous closely spaced valves
- Lymph flow relies on the contraction of the surrounding muscles for movement
III. Lymphatic Ducts
- Larger than the vessels
- Drain lymph into the blood vessels
1. Right Lymphatic Duct
- Smaller of the major ducts
- Drains lymph from the right side of the head, neck and thorax, and right forelimb
- Empties into the heart via the right jugular vein or cranial vena cava
2. Thoracic Duct
- Main lymphatic duct
- Arises from the abdomen
- CISTERNA CHYLI- receives lymph from the abdomen, pelvis and hind limbs
3. Tracheal Ducts
- Paired
- Drain lymph from the head and neck into the thoracic duct or and of the large
veins near the heart

IV. Lymph Nodes- bean-shaped

 Parts of a Lymph Node

A. HILUS
- Indented Region
- Location where the lymph vessels leave the node
 Afferent Lymphatic Vessels
- Carry lymph to each lymph node and enter the node on its convex surface
 Efferent Lymphatic Vessel
- Lymph leaves the lymph node at the hilus in a single efferent vessel
B. CAPSULE
- Covering of lymph nodes
- Made up of fibrous connective tissue
C. TRABECULAE
- Extension of the capsule
- Provides structural support
D. CORTEX
- Germinal centers for lymphocytes
E. MEDULLA
- Comprised of a reticular framework that contains many phagocytic cells
F. SINUSES
- Lymph flows through within the lymph node
LYMPH NODES of NOTE
1. Submandibular Lymph Nodes
- Compose of 2 to 5 nodes in a group
- Found at the edge of the jaws’s angle
2. Parotid Nodes
- Caudal to the temporomandibular joint
3. Superficial Cervical Nodes
- Also known as prescapular nodes
- Paired-one on each side, in front of the shoulder joint at the base of the neck on
the cranial edge (border) of the scapula
4. Axillary Nodes
- Found in the arm pit area
5. Superficial Inguinal Node
- Two nodes on each side of the groin
6. Popliteal Nodes
- Lies within the tissue of the gastrocnemius, caudal to the stifle joint

V. LYMPHATIC TISSUES
A. SPLEEN
- Largest lymphoid tissue
- Found within the greater omentum closely attached to the greater curvature of
the stomach
- Dark red or burgundy in color
 FUNCTION
1. Reservoir for erythrocytes and platelets
2. Cemetery for aging erythrocytes
3. Salvages iron from the dead erythrocytes
4. Removal of particulate matter from the circulation
5. Produces lymphocytes

B. THYMUS
- Found only in young animals
- Lies in the cranial thoracic inlet and cranial part of the thorax
- Produces T-Lymphocytes (memory cells)

C. TONSILS
- Form a ring of lymphoid tissue around the junction of the pharynx with the oral
cavity
- First line of defense against microorganisms that enter the mouth
APPLIED and CLINICAL ANATOMY NOTES
T-Lymphocytes

 Involve in the cell-mediated immune response

 These lymphocytes recognize and help in the destruction of foreign cells, or any cells of
the body that have been altered by viral infections